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The Klarus is quite petite for the class – very similar to the 4Sevens ReVo. I don’t have the stainless steel ReVo to compare, but I imagine weights would be comparable.

Mi X6 body is stainless steel. Lettering is sharp and clear, in a muted dark gray against the shiny background. While there is no anodizing to speak of, the fluted ridges on the head help with grip. I found the light can be operated one-handed.

Tailstanding is not possible, but the Mi X6 does have a substantial clip attachment point.

The Mi X6 doesn’t use a spring in the tailcap, but it does have the same sort of flexible-looking base as my ReVo.

Head contains a brass heatsink, which should help for durability and thermal transfer. Note the soft black disc on the positive contact plate, to limit rattle.

By the way, not only does this all look very similar to the ReVo, but I’ve discovered the Mi X6 head can screw onto the ReVo body and activate. The ReVo head threading seems just a little too thick to screw on to the Mi X6 body, though.

Mi X6 comes with a textured reflector (OP) and uses a XP-G emitter. The emitter was well centered on my sample (it is the angle of the light in the picture above that makes it look slightly off).

Which brings me to the white-wall beamshots. All lights are on 1xAAA Sanyo Eneloop NiMH, about ~0.75 meter from a white wall (with the camera ~1.25 meters back from the wall). Automatic white balance on the camera, to minimize tint differences. All beamshots taken immediately upon activation.

I find most 1xAAA lights to have fairly diffused beams, with broad hotspots.

User Interface

Turn on by fully tightening the head/bezel against the body. The light is off when the bezel is loosened slightly.

Light comes on in Med output to start. To select a different level, twist the Mi X6 off and then back on again within 1 second. This will advance to the next level in the following repeating sequence: Med > Lo > Hi > Strobe.

There is no memory mode.

PWM/Strobe

Here’s a nice find – there is no sign of PWM on the Lo/Med modes of the Mi X6. Like the ReVo, the Mi X6 also seems to use current-control for its low modes

Strobe was 9.9 Hz in my testing.

Testing Method:

All my output numbers are relative for my home-made light box setup, a la Quickbeam's flashlightreviews.com method. You can directly compare all my relative output values from different reviews - i.e. an output value of "10" in one graph is the same as "10" in another. All runtimes are done under a cooling fan, except for any extended run Lo/Min modes (i.e. >12 hours) which are done without cooling.

Effective November 2010, I have revised my summary tables to match with the current ANSI FL-1 standard for flashlight testing. Please see http://www.sliderule.ca/FL1.htm for a description of the terms used in these tables.

No surprise here, max output and throw is in a similar range to other XP-G lights. It does have one of the lowest Lo modes I’ve seen, though.

Output/Runtime Comparison:

First thing you will notice is the Mi X6 has a step-down in output on Hi, at 3 mins into the run. Again, this is just like the ReVo.

Output is typically slightly lower on the Mi X6, compared to the ReVo. This is interesting given my ReVo has an XP-E R2 and the Mi X6 has a XP-G R5. But otherwise, performance of the Mi X6 seems to be dead ringer for the ReVo on Med and Hi on alkaline and NiMH – similar excellent runtime, and similar well-regulated pattern. It is just L92 lithium where there is a relative efficiency drop with the Klarus light.

Potential Issues

Head-twist “tighten-to-turn-on” designs always have the potential to be “battery crushers.” However, the Mi X6 uses the same sort of flexible connection in the tail of the light as the ReVo, and I haven’t experienced any issues with that light.

Strobe is on the main sequence (i.e. not “hidden”)

Light can’t tailstand.

Preliminary Observations

As I noted in earlier 1xAAA reviews, emitter output bin alone is a poor predictor of performance in this class. I’ve seen a number of XP-G R5-equipped lights that are no brighter than their earlier XP-E Q5/R2 counterparts, and runtime efficiencies that are all over the map. Circuit design is obviously pivotal for good performance – and the Mi X6 doesn’t disappoint on this front. It is clearly using a good quality current-controlled circuit, which is rare in this size light.

No point beating around the bush – the overall build, output and runtime patterns of the Mi X6 are remarkably similar to 4Sevens ReVo. I have to assume they are using a similar basic circuit – both even step down in an identical manner.

One difference is the sequence – the Mi X6 starts on Med, and includes Strobe in the repeating sequence. I’m somewhat neutral on the Lo > Med > Hi vs Med > Lo > Hi sequence fight. Although I personally prefer lights that start on the lowest level, the Med-first sequence might make more sense for the general non-flashaholic crowd. But I personally don’t like seeing Strobe here – it clutters the interface.

I’m not generally a fan of large stainless steel lights (i.e. too heavy), but the material works well in the 1xAAA size. The extra weight is negligible, and adds a feeling of increased sturdiness. Mode switching is smooth, and I was able to do it one-handed (thanks to the fluted head).

All said and done, if you don't mind the mode sequence, this seems to be very good option for those looking for a tiny stainless steel 1xAAA for keychain carry.

awesome review as usual selfbuilt.
Is it just me or has olight really cornered the 1AAA market. ITP a3, Maratac AAA, Preon ReVo, Titanium Innovations IlluminaTi, Klarus Mi X6 are all made by olight or their subsidiary right?

Is it just me or has olight really cornered the 1AAA market. ITP a3, Maratac AAA, Preon ReVo, Titanium Innovations IlluminaTi, Klarus Mi X6 are all made by olight or their subsidiary right?

AFAIK, that is true for all the others examples you mentioned - but I was not aware of a relationship between Klarus and Olight. Another possibility is a designer has moved from one company to another. I've certainly seen a lot of examples of that over the years.

Thanks for the review. I just ordered one of these because I couldn't find a SS Preon Revo. I already have the standard Revo but want something that will look a little nicer. I actually like the medium first because that is the most useful output for 80% of what I do. Does anyone know if the light will still come on in low if there is not enough voltage left for medium? That is to say can I run it until it shuts off in medium or high and still turn it on in low mode for a few hours in an emergency type situation?

Thanks for the review. I just ordered one of these because I couldn't find a SS Preon Revo. I already have the standard Revo but want something that will look a little nicer. I actually like the medium first because that is the most useful output for 80% of what I do. Does anyone know if the light will still come on in low if there is not enough voltage left for medium? That is to say can I run it until it shuts off in medium or high and still turn it on in low mode for a few hours in an emergency type situation?

The light will drop to a low brightness when the batteries are nearly empty and can run for some time at that low brightness.

I noticed that earlier this week, and placed my order shortly after. I think I finally found the light to replace my old Arc AAA-P I have attached to the titanium chain around my neck.

Ha ha, you fool!! You fell victim to one of the classic blunders. The most famous is never get involved in a land war in Asia; and only slightly less well known is this: Never go against a Sicilian, when death is on the line!

I hope this is not a stupid question.
What is the difference between the SS and the Ti versions ? Obviously one is made of SS and the other is made of Ti, but what makes the Ti version more expensive ? Lighter ?

Not a stupid question. Ti is much more expensive to start with, and much more expensive to work (it's harder on bits, abrasives, etc). Its advantage to the user is that it's much lighter than steel, it looks really good and can be annodized easily, and it's got cachet

Not a stupid question. Ti is much more expensive to start with, and much more expensive to work (it's harder on bits, abrasives, etc). Its advantage to the user is that it's much lighter than steel, it looks really good and can be annodized easily, and it's got cachet

I havent made up my mind yet about purchasing the Klarus (or old stock of the Revo). The above info is helpful though, for those who missed out on reading it. In the Revo threads they also talk about Klarus

I just got the Ti version in and its a great little light, thin and superlight at about 12g empty. I have a ReVo but I wanted a Med first Keychain light since that is the mode I use the most.

It's a shame I can't get a Mix6 in neutral though. I also wish they dropped or better yet hid the strobe mode and made it a more useful 2hz for signaling. Disorienting strobe is silly on a keychain light and twist-twist -twist interface.

One thing I noticed in use and in your chart is that the Med in not as bright as claimed. It seems about the same as the Revo or about 18lm. This actually satisfies me just fine as 18lm is plenty for my typical uses and I would rather have a longer runtime then a brighter Med.

I LOVE the MIX6! I neck wear mine using a very small swivel quick release clip on a necklace i have worn for 25 years. BTW, you never have to see strobe if you choose not. Thanks for the review selfbuilt.
Keith

I ordered a Ti version a couple of weeks ago from Dino Direct. It arrived today, but it was a SS model. I am not sure what to do, as I love it and it was only $38. I could lodge a dispute with PayPal, but I read on a forum that some people send their goods back and never receive a refund, while the seller says it was never received. I don't really want a refund, as I'm attached to the little thing. It really is cute, like a puppy dumped on my doorstep. And yes, it had a ziplock bag with a spare o-ring and the split ring

I ordered a Ti version a couple of weeks ago from Dino Direct. It arrived today, but it was a SS model. I am not sure what to do, as I love it and it was only $38. I could lodge a dispute with PayPal, but I read on a forum that some people send their goods back and never receive a refund, while the seller says it was never received. I don't really want a refund, as I'm attached to the little thing. It really is cute, like a puppy dumped on my doorstep. And yes, it had a ziplock bag with a spare o-ring and the split ring

when exactly did you order it from Dinodirect? i got mine from Dinodirect too and it was a real Titanium version, others reported the same positive experience (forolinternas). maybe the seller doesnt take too much care to differentiate between the two versions, both look alike after all!

when exactly did you order it from Dinodirect? i got mine from Dinodirect too and it was a real Titanium version, others reported the same positive experience (forolinternas). maybe the seller doesnt take too much care to differentiate between the two versions, both look alike after all!